AIFF decides to delay start of upcoming domestic season due to COVID-19 pandemic

The All India Football Federation on Friday determined to delay the beginning date of the home season until additional discover in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a round despatched to all its members, the AIFF mentioned it was carried out by following the rules issued by the world physique FIFA in addition to these by the Indian authorities.

“In view of the current situation of pandemic, we are unsure as to when things would go back to normal and sports can be played again in the country. Hence, AIFF has decided to postpone the start date of the upcoming season i.e. 2020-21 season and its first registration period till further notice,” the AIFF mentioned.

“The same shall be declared through a separate circular,” it mentioned within the round titled ‘COVID-19 Football Regulatory Issues in India’.

Last 12 months, the Indian Super League started on October 20 whereas the I-League began on November 30.

The AIFF mentioned Article 5.1 paragraph 1 of Annexe three of the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players gives that previous to a registration interval commencing, associations might amend or modify the dates underneath “exceptional circumstances”.

“The COVID-19 outbreak is clearly an exceptional circumstance, the AIFF said.

“In view of the above, FIFA has decided to allow all its MAsto amend season dates and/or registration periods, either within the FIFA Tansfer Matching System (TMS) or by otherwise notifying FIFA.” The AIFF mentioned its Executive Committee on May 13 took a choice to conclude the present season (2019-20) on its authentic finish date of May 31.

Regarding ‘Expiring Agreements and New Agreements’, the AIFF mentioned: “There will not be any effects on an agreement expiring at the end of the current season as there is no change in the actual end date of the 2019-20 Season and all such agreements shall expire on their original end date.

“In case, an employment agreement is due to commence at the original start date of a new season, such commencement be delayed until the new start date of a new season.

“Notwithstanding the recommended amendment to agreement dates, any payment that contractually falls due prior to the new commencement date of an agreement should be delayed until the new start date of the 2020-21 Season.”